In order to bring up the average educational level in Europe and to get more uniformity we started the new European training system. We have obviously been working for several years with our own system so there are some transitional situations.

For this we have brought the possibilities for different instructors to comply with the EU guidelines and also get certified, into view. Our instructors have been informed  trough a newsletter.

And today I received three colleagues for such a transitional day in my studio. Lia Sint, Joyce van Roosmalen and Dani Bus. What a fun again, a day full of humor, because the ladies are well matched.

They all make a project of copper in combination with silver. Everything is going well, no cracks, and after firing it all comes nicely out of the kiln.

At noon we have lunch with delicious sandwiches and for a change there are freshly baked muffins and a small pie from The Hague with toffee flavor. Diets? Who cares!

After lunch, the two metals are connected with eachother by a cold connection. And then we run into a problem. Dani and Lia have used a structure that’s still a bit too rough, wich makes the connection less smooth. With this, Lia has the the biggest misfortune. And she already felt a little under the weather. The more respect for you Lia, you have sustained the whole day & you nicely finished your pendant.

Lia, Joyce and Dani, we are going to meet and see each other again soon!

Sunday morning at 09.00 I am at Renske and from there we drive together to Heesch. Its drizzling and the forecasts seemed so well? This time we meet in the studio of Noortje Meijerink, The Einderic in Heesch. A beautiful peaceful location, spacious, bright and filled with our chatter and all kinds of goodies, it’s no punishment to get through the day.

Present are: Renske Dussel, Edith van Leeuwen, Ria Marinussen, Nathalie Verkaart, Yolanda Nieuwboer, Noortje Meijerink, Barbera Ploeg and myself. Iris Laven, Laila Baker, Hennie Broers, Joyce van Roosmalen, Inge Verbruggen, Helga van Leipsig and Arnolda de Nooy were unable to come today due to various personal reasons. It is now quite a group representing the Benelux. Noortje has registered us on the guild site as Chapter named "Masters Benelux".

After the usual introduction round for newbies we get to work with clay. And what a quantity. Noortje distributes a clay bun among the attendees and we can go loose. Several ladies know here creatively to go and a few remain to deliver smooth miniature work, including myself. The latter is not intended and I don’t succeed to let go and accept which shapes arise  through simple kneading and pushing. Pity Henriette, opportunity missed. I comfort myself with the thought that I am possibly less creative than the rest of the "gang" and still can create neat designs. To each his own thing, large is not for me.

In the afternoon we enjoy a delicious healthy lunch.

After this break we discuss the state of matters relating to everyone's progress for the Masters Registry. Until the end of May, the projects can be sent at reduced rate, an occasion where some ladies probably will make use of.  It’s not gonna workout for me, the required number of 10 can not be realized in this for me some short time period.

The next meeting will be scheduled soon and will take place at the then newly built studio of Yolanda Nieuwboer, where we will enamel together. With a head full of ideas we go back home. By now the sun is shining and it's beautiful weather.

Good, it's spring!